LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — November 17-23 marks Utility Scam Awareness Week in Michigan, and Attorney General Dana Nessel and other officials are working to help make Michigan citizens more aware of possible scam tactics.
“Raising awareness and educating customers about scams is one of my top priorities,” Nessel said. “Utility Scam Awareness Week is a great opportunity to help spread awareness about suspicious behaviors and the tactics scammers use to target utility customers.”
Nessel’s office says that many electric, water and natural gas customers throughout the state are being targeted by impostor utility scams, typically using phone, in-person, and online tactics to target customers.
“It is important that customers call their utilities directly to check on the status of their accounts if they are ever unsure about the authenticity of a caller or the identity of a service worker, or if they suspect any fraudulent activity,” Nessel said.
Nessel’s office maintains that utility companies never call customers and demand immediate payment to keep services from being shut off in a matter of hours, nor do they use deceptive tactics to try to get inside private homes. Real employees always wear company identification badges.
Utility companies also will NOT:
- Require a prepaid debit card or gift card for payments.
- Collect payment at a customer’s home or business.
- Call, text or email and ask for social security, bank account or credit card information.
In order to help spread the word, Utilities United Against Scams sponsors this week-long awareness campaign and offers consumers a comprehensive Consumers Guide to Imposter Utility Scams.
Citizens who believe they may have been victimized should call their bank or credit card company immediately. All complaints and concerns can be reported online to the Michigan Public Service Commission or by calling 1-800-292-9555.
Complaints can also be filed with the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Team at mi.gov/agcomplaints.
